Day 1c Recap of the $1,100 Main Event at the RunGood Poker Series
The excitement of poker reached new heights as Day 1c of the $1,100 Main Event for the RunGood Poker Series unfolded at Harrah’s Kansas City Hotel. This final Day 1 flight attracted a competitive field of 108 entrants, and the stakes were high, with only the top players making the cash and advancing to Day 2.
Key Highlights from Day 1c
The atmosphere was electric as players strategically maneuvered through the tables in hopes of securing a coveted seat in Day 2. Ultimately, 12 players managed to maneuver through the field and will advance, while a total of 50 players from all Day 1 flights will continue their pursuit of the championship. The enticing grand prize and the prestigious RunGood ring awaited the champion, adding even more fuel to the competitive fire.
Leading the pack by the end of Day 1c was Alvaro Beitiamadrid, who amassed an impressive chip count of 516,000 chips. His performance solidified his status as a formidable contender as he heads into Day 2. Not far behind, Demian Shumaker secured second place with a respectable 479,000 chips, while Danny Clarkson rounded out the top three with 382,000 chips.
Top 10 Chip Counts from Day 1c
| Place | Name | Country | Chip Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alvaro Beitiamadrid | United States | 516,000 |
| 2 | Demian Shumaker | United States | 479,000 |
| 3 | Danny Clarkson | United States | 382,000 |
| 4 | Salvatore Termini | United States | 380,000 |
| 5 | Blair Hinkle | United States | 323,000 |
| 6 | Steve Ross | United States | 266,000 |
| 7 | Grant Hinkle | United States | 179,000 |
| 8 | WIll Costantini | United States | 172,000 |
| 9 | Cory Aurentz | United States | 152,000 |
| 10 | Jon Bayte | United States | 149,000 |
Defending Champion and Family Bonds
Notably, the last RunGood Poker Series event in Kansas City concluded with Blair Hinkle taking home the title, and he is set to defend it with a solid bag of 323,000 chips on Day 1c. The stakes are particularly meaningful for the Hinkle family, as Blair’s brother, Grant Hinkle, who also boasts a World Series of Poker bracelet, rolled into Day 2 with 179,000 chips. The dynamic between these two players adds an intriguing layer of competition as they aim to make their mark in this tournament.
Grant Hinkle
The Money Bubble
As always, the money bubble elicited moments of high tension, culminating in a dramatic hand. Initially, the anticipation was that 13 players would achieve a cash position, but the reality was even more intense. After 22 hands of hand-for-hand play, the tension peaked as two players were eliminated in a single hand, ensuring that only 12 players would move on to secure a payout.
First, Will Costantini showcased his skills by knocking out a short stack at his table, utilizing strong cards to seize the last of his opponent’s chips. Simultaneously, at another table, Eric Bunch found himself all in with 16,000 chips, but was eliminated by David McFeely, who held a winning flush. This cascading series of eliminations underscored the razor-thin margins that define tournament play, and the intensity of the competition is a classic hallmark of the poker scene.
Eric Bunch
Looking Ahead to Day 2
As anticipation builds, Day 2 is set to commence on Sunday, October 27, at 12:00 PM local time. Players will take their seats again, ready to confront the challenges that lie ahead in the quest for the title and the signature RunGood ring. Poker enthusiasts can expect thrilling plays, strategic moves, and perhaps even unexpected upsets as the drama unfolds.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for continuous updates, live coverage, and the crowning of the next champion of the RunGood Poker Series Main Event. The stakes have never been higher, and the players are primed for action. Will a new champion rise, or will the veterans star once again on this prestigious stage? Only time will tell.
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